Following the backlash on Twitter, James addressed the photograph on The Late Late Show.

The 39-year-old said: ‘The big winners last night were Donald Glover, Hulu and former White House press secretary Sean Spicer. Spicer won best actor in a comedy for his role in Donald Trump’s administration.

‘I’m kidding, of course. But Sean Spicer actually did make a cameo at last night’s ceremony.

James attended the Emmys with his pregnant wife Julia Carey (Picture: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

‘According to some reports, at the after-party, Spicer was the post popular guy in the room. And I just want to say, I think people are forgetting that this man lied to the American people, and should not be embraced.’

The offending picture flashed up on screen, with James joking: ‘These Hollywood phonies kissing up to Sean Spicer are disgusting. I mean, who did this? Who are we talking about here?”

‘Yeah. I know you think that is a picture of me kissing Sean Spicer. But in the spirit of Sean Spicer — no, it isn’t.

However, James soon got serious, saying: ‘Understandably, some people have been disappointed by this photo. In truth, I’m disappointed by it as well. I am, I’ve have been reading a lot of harsh comments on Twitter today, and I hear you loud and clear, truly, I do.’

The internet isn’t known for forgiving quickly, so we doubt that cosy picture will be forgotten in the distant future. Sorry, James.